SNOW!!

:-) :-) :-) yesterday I felt like a little boy at Christmas all over again. The first time in my life coming up close and personal to snow. It was a truly marvelous experience, too bad had no one to experience it with but yea it was real good while it lasted. So elated I was that I ran outside not properly clothed and never realized this till I got back inside and my hands were numb. This experience was a pleasant surprise for me indeed, never saw it coming so early, but it came just on time. That is the way YHWH is you know. A God of pleasant surprises (and not so pleasant ones.lol). But no matter what God is always on time.

Election Day

Well the mid-term election days are finally here and so far things seem to be going in favour of the Republicans, poor Barrack. It must be very hard to run a country such as the USA, I can just imagine what he must go through to make sure everything is stable. I even think about my own country Jamaica and her leaders. I further reflect on leadership in general in all sphere of life and the difficulties that come with leadership. We all have high expectations of our leaders and sometimes ridiculous ones. Many times we criticize and criticize not realizing the enormous task and responsibility of leader- and to think that some of us are leaders ourselves. I look in the bible at Moses and the hell he went through from the people of Israel. Its not easy being a leader, especially presiding over large groups such as a whole nation. A leader needs the wisdom of God that King Solomon had and a leader will realize that even then you can please some a di people some a di time but u cya please all the people all the time. I am called upon at such a time as this to be a leader in God's vineyard. What is ahead of me in terms of that seems scary, but with the wisdom of God to pilot me, I will be able to do effectively what the Lord wants me to do.

A scary week

Following my second half resolution, I have now come again to the end of another week (week 10 - wow!! I cant believe it!). This week was a scary one, not any fault of mine - well let me reconsider that, because it is the sin of the whole human race in what we have done and left undone. So what happened this week? The threat of tornadoes upon tornadoes. All students, faculty and staff who were in the building  when the sirens went off had to assemble in the basement. Mark you, I thought what I was hearing were the sirens of police cars or fire trucks although I could not see why their sirens were on for so long or where they were located. Of course no sooner had learnt that there was a tornado warning and I had to go in the basement. While in the basement I had a pretty stimulating conversation with the president of the college while we watched the weather report on the television. We spoke about many things among which he said that tornadoes are uncommon this time of year. Since I have been here I have been hearing many of that saying: 'this is unusual this time of the year', in relation to the weather. This is something that is happening the world over. It is the same cry in the Caribbean, Asia, Europe ect... Weather systems and patterns are changing. This as I hinted at, is the sin of the whole world. We have polluted, and destroyed the earth over the years both in what we have done and left undone. This is a sin that we don't hear the religious fanatics preaching very much these days, they are rather fixated on what people do in the privacy of their bedrooms while the world in which we live is being destroyed. We need to hear more sermons on taking care of the environment and actions too! In the meantime until all the measures are put in place to start taking better care of the environment, we will continue to face the consequences of our actions, then we'll be calling on God as if it were God who came and made a mess of the place.

I'm baaaaack!!..... dont know how luddy I am though

Well I havnt been blogging for a while....cant explain why, because I dont know what happened, but Im back to it now. Well guess what today I am exactly 2 months away from my departure day and exactly 2 months since I have been here. Hence, I am in the middle of my journey. It is also the mid October! Ohhh and before I forget, guess whats coming up soon? Mid-term elections...do you sense a theme here?? Yes! Middle/Mid/Center/Half(however you chose to put it). What does middle mean? well for me it means another half. So far the first half has been bitter-sweet(more bitter than sweet); a time full of challenges,some fun and fellowship(with myself mostly). Now that I am in the middle its time for some quick reflection, reflection on the past half that will guide how bitter or sweet I spend the other half.  Thank God for middles, times of pauses, evaluation, reflection and regeneration. Continue to keep me in prayerful thoughts one and all!

Enlarge my territory

 Today as I sat on one of the park benches by Butler University I watched two squirrels at war. One was in the acorn tree and the other was in a crab apple tree. The one from the crab able tree went into the acorn tree to collect acorns. The one in the acorn tree was not happy about the intrusion and chased the un-welcomed visitor up and down the tree until he ran out and went back into his(and i KNOW it was a 'him'...there were quite obvious external features.lol) crab apple tree. As I reflected on the action of these two squirrels, I thought of how territorial we can become at time as human beings. When someone else is interfering with our territory we become defensive most times. For a long time Jamaica has been my territory but now that I am here in exile, although my location has changed I have brought with me, my territory. And I dont no one to mess with my territory. What is my territory? my songs, my thoughts, language of Zion. In this sense, the children of Israel also brought their territory with them when they were made captive in Babylon....thats why they found it difficult to say YHWH's song in a strange land. They found it difficult to translate their territory in the context of the Babylonians. Eventually however their territory was enlarged and they learnt to live with the new environs. I pray that as I continue to sojourn in this strange land, the I AM will seek to enlarge my territory beyond the shores, the songs, the language of Zion.

Put on yu clothes! its time for war!

Its that time again when Mr Heat and Mr Cold are at war for the dominant place in the atmospheric ecosystem. Guess what? Mr Cold the merry old soul seems to be winning thus far! Man! the place is getting cooler....too cold for what I am generally use to. I am not in layers yet, but from Saturday night I have had to back out my long sleeve clothing {OJ you knowing what I talking 'bout.lol.}. So its now bye bye to all the short sleeve shirts I enjoyed when I just came here (makes me wonder why I even brought any in the first place). Anyway guess what? Its time to put on mi clothes because its time for war!!! But even during this time of war, I mindful of the fact that whether in cold or in heat, in snow or rain Masa God a God. God will speak through the cold as he does in the heat.

Derailed!!

Today I woke up at 9:00am....this has been the case for a couple of mornings well except on Mondays and Wednesdays when I have an 8:30 class (which most times i'm late for - only by 3mins the most). Maybe I am still jet lagged or Im just not a morning person. I prefer to believe it's the latter. So i got up 9am, completed studying for philosophical theology class for 12noon. When I got there only to hear that the class was cancelled. I immediately headed back to my room and slept. Now that Im awake I feel sooo refreshed. This is the usual routine of my days.....wake up, go class, sleep and of course intersperesed with the regular routine of bathing, eating, cooking ect ect.... Zion is a heck of a place! Its like prison here. Although this sort of thing would be more or less my daily routine back home at least there will be other little activities to do. Dont you get what I am trying to say??? I have been derailed!! My whole system, my whole life. In the meantime what do I do? I just rely on God to continue to 'hold mi right hand'. And as God continues to hold my hand, I know I have nothing to fear...'tingz already beta'..So Im not really worrying. God  'rails' me back every time, and will continue to do so.

Rain Rain! Dont go away! Please come again another day!

Rain Rain on the dry thirsty land! Today I saw rain (real rain - tropical type rain) for the first time in over a month! I was really really appreciative of that. By the way talking about over a month...on Sunday I celebrated my 1 month anniversary in the 'strange land'! I totally forgot and tomorrow I will be counting down exactly three months till my return to the Caribbean Isle. Anyway back to the rain. It was really nice to see the rain falling and to be able to run to my room and straight under the blanket and sleep through the rain! It was awesome , reminded me of my childhood days in Westmoreland whenever the frequent summer thunder storms came. I hope this rain is symbolic of the break of the drought period in my life that I have been for the month I have been here. I have been reaaaal thirsty! Thirsty for hugs and kisses and smiles and warmth. But the rain fell!! Let's see what happens in the days to come.

No Church Sunday

Well...my bicycle has not been returned as yet...I have a good feeling to 'put fiyah a mus mus tail', but ill refrain from doing so. Today is Sunday and I am home. No church for me today. The lady who was to bring me to church fell ill suddenly so I get to stay home. From morning I have just been keeping still and knowing that Masa God a God. Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place (my home). God isnt confined to a dwelling made with hands. God is everywhere - "the earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof and all that dwells therein". So even on this traditional 'church day' I have stayed home and experienced the presence of Masa God. Well I have some readings to go do now for Miller's Philosophical Theology class tomorrow (thats another headache - just joking)....later.

Teif! teif! teif!

This morning I got up as usual, pushed back the blinds and looked out.....something that was usually there was misiing....what is it? I thought to myself...ahhh!!!! my bicycle!! They damn niggaz stole my bike!Im so pissed...Ill say more when i am more composed

All in colours!

Yesterday the Sweeny Chapel was decorated with all the peoples, languages, ornaments and yes their gods too! from the different nations represented at CTS as we celebrated Global Christianty with a Eucharistic Service.  As I sat and looked on and participated in the service, I remebered the chourus of a certain song that my fellow Cursillistas know very well..."All in colours and so muct all love be of every bright colours..."  All the colours of this world come together to make one perfect complete portrait. Look at the rooster or the peacock and their feathers. All in different colours but combinded together they make one fine rooster of peahen. All the colours are accepter also. Thats exactly how I felt in chapel yesterday. I felt equal among equals. I could freely wear my afro-caribbean religious garbs without unhelpful crticisms. I added to the 'colours' and it was well appreciated. Had I worn such garbs in my own home country there would be remarks of me being rebellious, obeah wuka, scientist, among other things. Well maybe I am. But here my 'colour' is accepted. I am truly and authentically Anglican,...but just one with a different 'colour'.  Talking about 'a prophet being honoured in his own country'(Jesus the Christ). Jesus' 'colour' was not accpeted by his own, his won received him not . The Samartian woman did though. Would to God if the experince I had yesterday was the same case everywhere in the world, even my own town. Would to God if I could truly 'go out from this real world into the real world....' as the Rev Dr Lorna Shoemaker dismissed us with.

daren on they that minister the Holy Eucharist....

Last Thursday I attended an episcopal celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the college's chapel. As I sat there I was made to reflect on the question Cranmer and Augustine reflected on centuries ago.... does the worthiness or unworthiness of the minister affect the effect of the sacrament? As a point of reference to help to reflect on the question, I was led to the great 39 articles of the Protestant Church of England. It was crafted by Cranmer who did so under Calvinist influences.  Article 26 speaks to the matter:

"XXVI. Of the Unworthiness of the Ministers, which hinders not the effect of the Sacraments.
Although in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometimes the evil have chief authority in the Ministration of the Word and Sacraments, yet forasmuch as they do not the same in their own name, but in Christ's, and do minister by his commission and authority, we may use their Ministry, both in hearing the Word of God, and in receiving the Sacraments. Neither is the effect of Christ's ordinance taken away by their wickedness, nor the grace of God's gifts diminished from such as by faith, and rightly, do receive the Sacraments ministered unto them; which be effectual, because of Christ's institution and promise, although they be ministered by evil men.

Nevertheless, it appertaineth to the discipline of the Church, that inquiry be made of evil Ministers, and that they be accused by those that have knowledge of their offences; and finally, being found guilty, by just judgment be deposed."

My original position which I have grown up with, has strong leanings towards Donatism. But After reflecting on the Eucharistic service and the article, my positions have been adjusted. Who IS really worthy? "All like lost sheep have gone astray and turn everyone to their own way". "Lord I am not worthy to receive thee..." (The Bible)

It is only through the grace and mercy of God that we are made worthy. "It is he who 'made' us and not we ourselves". If then one minister is removed from administering the sacraments because of evil then ALL need to be removed. At the same time I draw a line because there must be some discipline and order. If the 'wickedness' of the minister affects the life of the congregation then she should be removed. She is there to point beyond herself to that which ultimate concerns the people. When she fails to this because of her evil deeds then she should be 'disposed by just judgement'.

The Urban poor...

Today I had the course 'Church and Urban Poor. For this week's class Dr Lindley took us to a homeless shelter for homeless families called Dayspring center. I learnt some new things that I didnt know before. Did you know that 45% of homeless people in the US are families? Did you know that the average age of homeless people in the US is 9years old?? I discovered these and many other shocking revelations. As I heard the different statistics, and heard the different issues I was made to reflect on my home, Jamaica. Before no I never knew there was such thing as a homeless family (except of course by virtue of fire or hurricane).

September to remember!

September has just began and so has the work! Today I had my last class for the week. I have classes from Monday to Thursday. After going to all my introductory class what I am seeing in front of me is a large tempestuous ocean and I need to get over to the other side. How shall I? But I am reminded that with Chirst in tha vessel we can smile at the storm as I go sailing on! I will cross over.... I am determined to hold on to the end! With God's help and the people whom God will send in my life to journey with me over the ocean's journey...I will prevail!...............

SF',HJ'D,.2J'QHGD P;/FKBN=SH';.P893Y

Today I'm really feeling....MIXED UP, just like that church I went to yesterday - The Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis. Everybody in that church is allowed to have their own beliefs and chose their own way to 'the truth'. It is a church mixed with atheists, theists, agnostics, pagans, Jews, Hindus, Christians. Some simply just don't know what they believe or what to believe. I don't know what I am feeling, my feelings are just mixed. I guess I am now entering stage two culture shock according to the document that Dr Lewis sent me! Its not a nice feeling though. But through it all I know that I have the Lord walking right beside me as I go on my journey thats what keeps my sanity.  I guess that is what keeps the sanity of that church; the fact that at least most people are on a journey through a tunnel with a light at the end of the road, whatever that light is.

Let's get started

Well two days ago I asked Khala to drop me down town Indianapolis on her way to a meeting in the vicinity so that I could 'explore' the place. It is quite huge and full of many avenues and lanes comparing to downtown, Kingston. There were many things to see and many places to go. I eventually ended up about 2miles from where Khala left me and where she would come to pick me up back. I needed somewhere or something to mark my path. Ah! I saw the perfect building - A MOSQUE!. It was visible as I went from point A to B and from C to D.  Here was I, a Christian..and it was a mosque that guided me back to where I was suppose to be, and did a pretty good job at doing it too! It made me think... is religious plurality such a bad idea after all? Can other religious groups apart from our own help us to find and discover or REdiscover God??

In the beginning....

Upon the suggestion of one who has committed to journeying with me I have decided to start this blog. I invite all and sundry to journey with me in my experiences as I reflect both superficially and theologically on them. So far it has been quite an interesting and enriching experience and I look forward to exceptional days ahead!